JP2013248529A - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope device allowing the reduction of a diameter of an insertion tube while suitably preventing damage or the like of built-in objects inserted through the insertion tube.SOLUTION: In an endoscope device wherein a plurality of built-in objects are inserted through an insertion tube and a bending section, the bending section has: ferrules provided in both ends in the long direction; and a plurality of bending members arranged and disposed in the axial direction between the ferrules. A lumen of at least one of the ferrules has a plurality of projections 54A-54D each formed by increasing a thickness of a wall face, and a positioning face 55 having a positioning hole 53 restricting the movement of the built-in objects in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the insertion tube within the insertion tube is formed by the projections. The plurality of built-in objects includes: signal lines 36 connected to an observation means; and the other built-in objects. The positioning hole has: a first region through which the signal lines 36 are inserted; and a second region through which the other built-in objects are inserted. The signal lines 36 and the other built-in objects are disposed such that they cannot move between the first region and the second region.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus for observing the inside of a test object.

  For the purpose of observing the inside of various specimens, endoscopes having a flexible and long insertion portion are widely used. In such an endoscope, a tubular member or the like that forms a channel for inserting a signal line of an imaging device, a light guide of a light source, a treatment instrument, or the like in an insertion portion that is inserted into a test object. Various built-in objects are inserted through the entire length.

  In general, the insertion portion having a smaller diameter is preferable because it can be easily inserted into the test object, and therefore the filling rate of the built-in objects in the insertion portion generally tends to be high. If the bending operation of the insertion portion is repeated in this state, the built-in object may be damaged by friction or the like in the insertion portion.

In order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses that in a node ring inserted into an insertion portion, a protruding portion through which a puller wire is inserted protrudes toward the lumen side of the node ring, and the built-in object and the node ring A configuration is described in which a built-in object forms a movable space between the group.
Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which a projecting portion protruding from the inner surface is formed on a node ring connected to an insertion portion, and movement of a channel built in the projecting portion is regulated.

JP 2003-260020 A Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-5167

However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the built-in object can move within the lumen of the node ring, so that friction between the built-in objects cannot be sufficiently suppressed.
On the other hand, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, for example, when a built-in object whose movement is to be restricted is relatively small, etc., in order to restrict the movement of the built-in object, it is necessary to greatly project the projecting portion to the inner surface There is. In this case, there is a problem that the pulling wire inserted through the launch portion is not sufficiently positioned and the bending operation of the insertion portion becomes unstable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and is an endoscope capable of reducing the diameter of an insertion portion while suitably preventing damage to a built-in object inserted through the insertion portion. An object is to provide an apparatus.

 An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a flexible and long insertion portion, observation means provided at a distal end of the insertion portion, a bending portion provided in the insertion portion and capable of bending operation. An endoscope device in which a plurality of built-in objects are inserted in the insertion portion and the bending portion, wherein the bending portion is axially disposed between a base provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction and the base. A plurality of curved members arranged in alignment with each other, and a plurality of projections provided by increasing the thickness of the wall surface in at least one lumen of the base, and the projections within the insertion portion by the projections A positioning surface having a positioning hole for restricting movement of the built-in object in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the insertion portion is formed, and the plurality of built-in objects are connected to the signal line connected to the observation means and the other The positioning hole includes the signal line. A first region that is passed through and a second region through which the other built-in object is inserted, and the signal line and the other built-in object move between the first region and the second region. It is arranged to be impossible.

 An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a flexible and long insertion portion, observation means provided at a distal end of the insertion portion, a bending portion provided in the insertion portion and capable of bending operation. An endoscope device in which a plurality of built-in objects are inserted in the insertion portion and the bending portion, wherein the bending portion is axially disposed between a base provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction and the base. A plurality of projections provided by increasing the wall thickness of at least one of the plurality of bending members as compared with the lumen of the base. A positioning surface having a positioning hole for restricting movement of the built-in object in the insertion part in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion part is formed by the protrusion, and the plurality of built-in objects are provided on the observation means. Including connected signal lines and other built-in components, The determination hole has a first area through which the signal line is inserted and a second area through which the other built-in object is inserted, and the signal line and the other built-in object are the first area and the It is arranged so that it cannot move between the second region.

 An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a flexible and long insertion portion, observation means provided at a distal end of the insertion portion, a bending portion provided in the insertion portion and capable of bending operation. An endoscope device in which a plurality of built-in objects are inserted in the insertion portion and the bending portion, wherein the bending portion is axially disposed between a base provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction and the base. A plurality of bending members arranged in alignment with each other, and an annular positioning member arranged between the base and the plurality of bending members or between two of the plurality of bending members, The positioning member is provided with a plurality of protrusions provided by increasing the thickness of the wall surface from the lumen of the base, and the protrusions cause the built-in object in the insertion part to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion part. Positioning surface with positioning holes to restrict movement The plurality of built-in objects include a signal line connected to the observation means and other built-in objects, and the positioning hole includes a first region through which the signal line is inserted, and the other built-in object. A second area through which an object is inserted, and the signal line and the other built-in object are disposed so as to be immovable between the first area and the second area. To do.

  According to the endoscope device of the present invention, the positioning surface provided in the bending portion causes the built-in object including the signal line to extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion portion (hereinafter referred to as “cross-sectional direction”). The movement is efficiently regulated, and friction between the signal line and other built-in objects is reduced.

  According to the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the insertion portion while preferably preventing damage to built-in objects inserted through the insertion portion.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an expanded sectional view showing the tip vicinity of the endoscope apparatus. (A) is side sectional drawing of the optical adapter with which the endoscope is mounted | worn, (b) is a front view of the optical adapter. It is sectional drawing in the AA of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view showing the tip vicinity of the endoscope apparatus of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing in the BB line of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view showing near the tip of an endoscope apparatus of a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing in the CC line of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view showing near the tip of an endoscope apparatus of a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing in the DD line | wire of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view showing near the tip of an endoscope apparatus of a 5th embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing in the EE line | wire of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view showing near the tip of an endoscope apparatus of a 6th embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing in the FF line of FIG. It is a figure which shows the shape of the positioning part in the endoscope apparatus of the modification of this invention. It is a figure which shows the shape of the positioning part in the endoscope apparatus of the modification of this invention.

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
The endoscope apparatus 1 includes a long insertion portion 10 having flexibility and an operation portion 20 connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 10. The insertion portion 10 is a portion that is inserted into a body cavity, and is formed of a flexible tubular member. The insertion unit 10 includes a rigid distal end component 30 provided at the distal end, and a bending portion 11 provided at a proximal end side of the distal end component 30 with a predetermined length. The configurations of the distal end configuration portion 30 and the bending portion 11 will be described later.

  The operation section 20 is provided with an operation knob 21 for bending the bending section, and a universal cord 23 for connecting the tip constituting section 30 and a device such as a light source device or a monitor (not shown) extends. A connector 22 connected to a light source device or the like is provided at the end of the universal cord 23.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion 10 including a part of the bending portion 11 and the distal end configuration portion 30.
The distal end configuration unit 30 includes an imaging unit (observation means) 31 for observing the inside of the subject, and an optical adapter 32 (described later) that is detachably attached to the distal end of the imaging unit 31.

  The imaging unit 31 includes an objective optical system 33 that forms an image of the reflected light of the observation site inside the subject, a CCD 34 that is an imaging device that photoelectrically converts the reflected light of the observation site imaged by the objective optical system 33, and the CCD 34. And at least one substrate 35 provided with an electronic circuit group for processing the video signal. The signal line 36 connected to the substrate 35 extends toward the operation unit 20 in the insertion unit 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the optical adapter 32 has a distal end surface 32A, and the distal end surface 32A has an optical lens system 37 for capturing an optical image of an observation site. A window 38, an illumination unit 39 disposed around the observation window 38, and an opening 40 that communicates with a channel (described later) provided in the insertion unit 10 are provided.

  The optical adapter 32 is detachable in a state where the optical adapter 32 is positioned in the circumferential direction at the distal end of the distal end configuration unit 30, and in this state, the optical axis of the objective optical system 33 and the optical axis of the optical lens system 37 substantially coincide with each other. The user can change the viewing angle, the viewing direction, the observation depth, and the like according to the subject by exchanging the plurality of optical adapters 32 including the optical lens systems 37 having different optical parameters.

  As the illumination part 39, LED etc. can be employ | adopted suitably. The illumination unit 39 has an electrical contact 39A. When the optical adapter 32 is attached to the tip of the tip component 30, the energization unit 41 provided near the tip of the tip component 30 and the electrical contact 39A come into contact with each other. As a result, electricity is supplied to the illumination unit 39 and illumination is performed so that the visual field of the endoscope apparatus 1 can be observed satisfactorily.

The bending portion 11 disposed inside the tubular member of the insertion portion 10 is formed to be aligned in the axial direction so that the plurality of bending members 12 are substantially coaxial. The bases 13A and 13B having different shapes from the other bending members 12 are respectively attached to the most distal end side and the most proximal end side of the bending portion 11 (the base 13B is not shown).
The tips of four angle wires (wires) 14 for bending the bending portion 11 are fixed to the base 13A. Each angle wire 14 extends to the proximal end side through a guide hole 19 provided in each bending member 12 and is connected to an operation knob 21 or the like of the operation unit 20. Accordingly, the caps 13A and 13B and the respective bending members 12 are connected via four angle wires (wires) 14. By pulling the angle wire 14 via the operation portion 20, the bending portion 11 is moved. It can be curved in four directions, up, down, left and right.

  Further, a channel tube 15A for forming a channel is inserted into the insertion portion 10. The distal end of the channel tube 15 </ b> A is fixed so as to open at the distal end of the distal end configuration unit 30, and the proximal end is fixed so as to open at an arbitrary position of the operation unit 20. Thus, a channel 15 that can be used as an insertion path for the treatment instrument or for various purposes such as air supply, water supply, and suction is formed.

  4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. In order to make the drawing easier to see, only the base 13A and a built-in object described later are shown except for a tubular member covering the outer periphery of the base 13A. The base 13 </ b> A is a substantially cylindrical member formed of a material having a certain rigidity, and is fitted and connected to the tip constituent portion 30. Four angle wires 14 are accommodated in the four grooves 16 provided on the periphery of the base 13A, and the base 13A and the angle wire 14 are fixed integrally by solder 17 or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the base 13 </ b> A is formed with a plurality of positioning holes 18 for allowing a built-in object incorporated in the insertion portion 10 to pass therethrough and restricting the built-in object from moving in the radial direction. ing. Among these, the channel tube 15A is inserted through the largest positioning hole 18A. A signal line 36 extending from the imaging unit 31 is inserted into the second largest positioning hole 18B. In addition, a lead wire 42 electrically connected to the energizing portion 41 of the tip constituting portion 30 and a heat radiating wire 43 which is a bundle of metal strands for releasing heat generated by the illumination portion 39 provided in the optical adapter 32 A pair of positioning holes 18C and 18D for inserting the positioning holes 18 is formed so as to sandwich the positioning hole 18A in the cross-sectional direction.
The base end side base 13 </ b> B is formed in the same shape as the base 13 </ b> A, but the angle wire 14 is only received in the groove 16 and is not fixed.

  In the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the channel tube (first built-in item) 15A, the signal line 36, the lead wire 42, the heat radiation line (second built-in item) 43, and the like. Various built-in objects are inserted through positioning holes 18A to 18D provided in the caps 13A and 13B located at both ends of the bending portion 11. Therefore, the built-in object is positioned in a state in which the movement in the cross-sectional direction of the part inserted through the caps 13A and 13B is almost completely restricted, and the built-in object is built in the bending portion 11 even in the region between the caps 13A and 13B. The movement of objects, especially free movement in the cross-sectional direction, is restricted.

  Therefore, even if the bending portion 11 is bent in each direction by the operation of the operation portion 20, these built-in objects do not move greatly in the cross-sectional direction. As a result, damage to the built-in object due to the built-in object being pressed against the guide hole 19 of the bending member 12 can be prevented.

  Further, since the positioning holes 18A to 18D through which the built-in objects are inserted are provided independently so as not to communicate with each other, damage caused by rubbing the built-in objects can be suitably prevented. Furthermore, since the free movement of the built-in object in the cross-sectional direction is restricted, it is no longer necessary to cover the outer peripheral surface with a protective tube or a protective coil to prevent damage to the built-in object. As a result, the diameter of the insertion portion 10 can be further reduced.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference between the endoscope apparatus 51 of the present embodiment and the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above is the shape of the base. In the following description of each embodiment, components that are the same as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description is omitted.

   FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope apparatus 51. The configurations of the distal end configuration unit 30 and the bending unit 11 are the same as those of the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Positioning surfaces having positioning holes are formed on the bases 52A and 52B (the base 52B is not shown) located at both ends in the axial direction of the bending portion 11, and the bases 13A and 13B in the endoscope apparatus 1 are formed. Similarly, it functions to protect the built-in object in the insertion portion 10 from damage or the like.

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. As in FIG. 4, only the cap 52 </ b> A and the built-in object to be inserted are shown. In the inner cavity of the base 52A, four protrusions 54D project from the protrusion 54A formed by increasing the thickness of the wall surface, and the positioning surface 55 having one positioning hole 53 is formed by these four protrusions. Is formed. The insertion positions of the channel tube 15A, the signal line 36, the lead wire 42, and the heat radiating wire 43 with respect to the cap 52A are substantially the same as in the first embodiment, but the positioning hole 53 is independent for each built-in item. Instead, all of the above-described built-in objects are inserted into one positioning hole 53, whereby each built-in object is positioned on the positioning surface 55.

  The positioning hole 53 is provided in communication with the first region 53A so as to sandwich the first region 53A in the radial direction and the first region 53A through which the channel tube 15A and the signal line 36 are inserted. A pair of second regions 53B through which the hot wire 43 is inserted.

The channel tube 15A having the largest outer diameter is inserted into a portion communicating with the second region 53B in the first region 53A. In the positioning hole 53, the dimension L1 in the cross-sectional direction of the communication portion 53C where the first region 53A and the second region 53B communicate with each other is set smaller than the diameter L2 of the channel tube 15A. The channel tube 15A and the signal line 36 thus made do not enter the second region 53B. Further, since the communication portion 53C is blocked by the channel tube 15A, the lead wires 42 and the heat radiation wires 43 inserted through the second regions 53B cannot enter the first region 53A. Therefore, the signal wires 36 and the lead wires 42 and The heat radiation wire 43 is kept in a non-contact state on the positioning surface 55.
Furthermore, since the width dimension L3 of the region through which the signal line 36 is inserted in the first region 53A is set smaller than the diameter L2 of the channel tube 15A, the signal line 36 and the channel tube are positioned on the positioning surface 55. 15A does not contact and a non-contact state is maintained.

  Also in the endoscope apparatus 51 of the present embodiment, the movement of the built-in objects in the cross-sectional direction is suppressed by the caps 53A and 53B having the positioning surface 55, and the signal lines 36 that are easily damaged, especially between the built-in objects. Contact with other internal organs can be suitably suppressed, and damage to each internal component including the signal line 36 can be suitably prevented.

  Further, since each built-in object is positioned by the positioning surface 55 having one positioning hole 53, it is only necessary to provide the protrusions 54A to 54D so that one positioning hole 53 is formed in the caps 53A and 53B. The manufacturing efficiency of the base and the curved portion can be improved. Further, the internal parts cannot move between the first region 53A and the second region 53B due to the size of the communication portion 53C and the arrangement of the channel tube 15A. By inserting the built-in objects into different regions, damage caused by contact between the built-in objects can be suitably suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the shape of the communication portion 53 </ b> C is likely to protrude toward the space of the positioning hole 53. Here, if the protruding shape is sharp, the built-in object may be damaged. Therefore, it is preferable from the viewpoint of protecting the built-in object that the protruding shape is formed in a curved shape as shown in FIG. Further, it is more preferable that the wall surface of the positioning hole 53 is chamfered so that an edge does not stand in the axial direction.

  In addition, the number of regions formed in the positioning holes, the arrangement of the built-in objects in each region, and the like may be appropriately determined depending on the functions and characteristics of the built-in objects.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference between the endoscope apparatus 61 of the present embodiment and the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above is the installation position of the positioning surface.

   FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope apparatus 61. The bases 62A and 62B (the base 62B not shown) located at both ends in the axial direction of the bending portion 11 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and are provided with positioning holes and positioning surfaces for restricting the movement of the built-in object in the radial direction. Absent. Instead, a substantially annular separator (positioning member) 63 is disposed between any adjacent curved members 12.

   8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. In addition, generally the same as FIG. 4, only the separator 63 and the built-in thing inserted are shown. The protrusions 54A to 54D and the positioning hole 53 provided in the separator 63 have the same shape as the second embodiment, and the same positioning surface 55 is formed. Further, the separator 63 is provided with guide holes 64 at four locations, through which the angle wire 14 is inserted.

  In the endoscope apparatus 61 of the present embodiment, the built-in object is positioned so as to maintain a non-contact state on the positioning surface 55 provided in the intermediate portion in the axial direction of the bending portion 11. Like the endoscope apparatus, damage to built-in objects can be suitably suppressed. Moreover, by combining with the caps of the above-described embodiments, the built-in objects are positioned so as to maintain a non-contact state at both ends and the middle part of the bending portion 11, and damage to the built-in objects can be prevented more reliably. .

  Further, since the protrusions 54A to 54D that define the shape of the positioning hole 53 are formed by increasing the thickness of the wall surface of the separator 63, the guide through which the angle wire 14 is inserted, such as the protrusions 54A and 54B, for example. Even when it is formed in the vicinity of the hole 64, it is not necessary to change the shape of the guide hole 64. Therefore, since the movable range on the positioning surface 55 of the angle wire 14 does not widen, the position of the angle wire 14 in the bending portion 11 is suitably maintained, and the built-in object is maintained while stabilizing the behavior of the bending portion during bending operation. Can be suitably controlled.

  The number of separators 63 to be installed and the positions between the bending members 12 to be installed are not particularly limited. However, when a plurality of separators 63 are installed, if the base and each separator are arranged at substantially equal intervals, The behavior in is easy to stabilize and is preferable.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference between the endoscope apparatus 71 of the present embodiment and the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above is the installation position of the positioning surface.

   FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope apparatus 71. In the present embodiment, a bending member 72 having a positioning surface 55 is disposed instead of one of the plurality of bending members attached to the bending portion 11. The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the bending member 72 is the same as that of the bending member 12, and is connected to the front and rear bending members 12 via the angle wires 14 in a state of being aligned in the axial direction.

   10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. Note that only the bending member 72 and the built-in object to be inserted are shown in the same manner as in FIG. The cross-sectional shape in the radial direction of the bending member 72 is substantially the same as that of the separator 63 of the third embodiment, and a positioning surface 55 having a positioning hole 53 and a guide hole 64 are provided. The arrangement of built-in objects in each region of the positioning hole 53 is the same.

  Also in the endoscope apparatus 71 of the present embodiment, the built-in object is positioned on the positioning surface 55 provided in the bending portion 11 so as to be restricted from moving in the cross-sectional direction. As with the endoscope apparatus, damage to built-in objects can be suitably suppressed.

Further, since the bending member 72 having the positioning surface 55 is attached instead of one of the plurality of bending members attached to the bending portion 11, positioning of the built-in object without changing the axial dimension of the bending portion 11. It can be performed.
In addition, the bending member 72 of this embodiment can also position a built-in thing more suitably in combination with the above-mentioned nozzle | cap | die 13A, 52A. Further, the number of installed bending members 72 and the installation interval may be set as appropriate.

  Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference between the endoscope apparatus 81 of the present embodiment and the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above is the shape of a member having a positioning surface.

   11 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope apparatus 81, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the present embodiment, a positioning surface 55 similar to that of the fourth embodiment is formed in the lumen of one bending member 82 among the plurality of bending members attached to the bending portion 11. Is provided. Furthermore, instead of the guide hole 64, four guide grooves 83 are provided so as to open to the periphery.

  The guide groove 83 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bending member 82 so as to have a width and depth that can accommodate the angle wire 14 and substantially parallel to the axis. FIG. 12 shows an example of the guide groove 83 formed in a substantially U shape with the bottom surface having an arc shape, but the shape of the guide groove 83 may be other shapes as long as the angle wire 14 can be accommodated. For example, the bending member 82 may be formed so that the cross section in the radial direction is a triangle, a quadrangle, or the like.

  The bending member 82 may be attached before or after the other bending member 12 is connected. When the bending member 82 is attached after the bending member 12 is connected, the bending member 82 may be inserted into the space formed by the four angle wires 14 and the angle wire 14 may be accommodated in the guide groove 83.

  Also in the endoscope apparatus 81 of the present embodiment, the built-in object is positioned on the positioning surface 55 provided in the bending portion 11 so as to be restricted from moving in the cross-sectional direction. As with the endoscope apparatus, damage to built-in objects can be suitably suppressed.

Further, in the separator having the guide hole 64, it is difficult to manufacture the entire bending portion unless the angle wire 14 is inserted into the guide hole 64 in advance before the bending member 12 is connected. However, since the bending member 82 in this embodiment has the guide groove 83 opened to the periphery, the bending member 82 can be easily assembled to the bending portion 11 even after other bending members 12 are connected. Therefore, similarly to the manufacturing process of the bending portion of a general endoscope apparatus, first, a normal bending member having a guide hole is connected, and then the bending member 82 having a guide groove 83 is assembled, whereby the manufacturing process is performed. The behavior of the built-in object in the curved portion can be suitably controlled with almost no change.

  In the present embodiment, the number of installed bending members 82 and the installation interval may be appropriately set according to the type of built-in object, etc. If the outer periphery of the bending member is covered with a blade or the like, all the bending members of the bending portion are covered. It is also possible to configure with a bending member 82. Moreover, it is also possible to combine with the nozzle | cap | die etc. of 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment.

  Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference between the endoscope apparatus 91 of the present embodiment and the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above is the shape of a member having a positioning surface.

13 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope apparatus 91, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in this embodiment, instead of the plurality of bending members in each of the above-described embodiments, a bending tube 92 formed of a superelastic alloy is attached. The curved tube 92 is formed in a tubular shape by hollowing out a columnar metal, and the shape of the lumen is formed so that protrusions 54A to 54D similar to those in the fourth embodiment protrude. In the bending tube 92, slits 93 extending in the cross-sectional direction by a length that does not cut the bending tube 92 from the outer peripheral surface are alternately formed at equal intervals from the opposite direction across the axis. The angle wire 14 is inserted into the guide hole 64 as in the other embodiments. Therefore, by pushing and pulling the angle wire 14, the bending operation of the bending portion 11 is performed by changing the distance between the nodes 94 of the bending tube 92 divided by the slits 93.
Since FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the slit 93, the positioning surface 55 has a step, but in the cross section of each node 94, the positioning surface 55 is a single flat surface as in the other embodiments.

Also in the endoscope apparatus 91 of the present embodiment, the built-in object is positioned on the positioning surface 55 provided in the bending portion 11 so as to be restricted from moving in the cross-sectional direction. As with the endoscope apparatus, damage to built-in objects can be suitably suppressed.
In addition, since positioning of the built-in object is performed over the entire length of the bending portion 11, damage to the built-in object can be more reliably suppressed.

In the present embodiment, an example in which one bending tube 92 in which all the nodes 94 are connected is arranged in the bending portion 11 is shown. Instead, two short bending tubes having a plurality of nodes are provided. As described above, they may be arranged in the axial direction.
In this case, in each of the curved tubes, a cross-sectional shape is rounded like a general lumen to form a lumen that does not have a positioning surface, and a separator 63 having a positioning surface between the curved tubes or a curved It is also possible to position the built-in object by arranging the members 72 and 82 and the like. Furthermore, the bending portion may be configured by combining a bending tube having a positioning surface and a bending tube not having a positioning surface. By appropriately combining these methods, it is possible to freely adjust the degree of restriction of movement of the built-in object in the cross-sectional direction.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change can be added in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the positioning surface has a positioning hole in which the first region and the second region communicate with each other, and the built-in object cannot be moved between the regions by the dimensions of the communication part and the arrangement of the channel tube. However, instead of this, the first region 73A and the second region 73B of the positioning hole 73 are formed so as not to communicate with each other as in the modification shown in FIG. The movement of the built-in object between the regions may be positioned so as to be impossible. In this modification, among the protrusions protruding into the lumen, the protrusion 74A and the protrusion 74D are integrated, and the protrusion 74B and the protrusion 74C are integrated.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example of an endoscope apparatus having a channel tube as a built-in object has been described. However, when it is not necessary to provide a channel in the insertion portion, a configuration without a channel tube may be naturally provided. . As the shape of the positioning hole in this case, as in the modification shown in FIG. 16, the dimension of the communication portion 85 is sufficiently smaller than the radial dimension of the built-in objects (for example, the signal line 36 and the heat radiation line 43). By setting the shape of the protrusions 84A to 84D, the movement of the built-in object in the cross-sectional direction may be restricted, and the area through which the signal line 36 and another built-in object (for example, the lead wire 42) are inserted as described above. The movement in the cross-sectional direction may be suppressed by not communicating. By combining these methods individually or appropriately, the signal line 36 and other built-in objects can be positioned so as to maintain a non-contact state on the positioning surface 86. In this modification, the protrusion 84A and the protrusion 84B are integrated.

  Furthermore, in the case of a general endoscope apparatus, in the insertion portion on the operation portion side than the bending portion, there is not a high necessity for providing the positioning portion and the positioning surface of the present invention because there is a relatively large space. When it is desired to protect the built-in object even at a portion other than the bending portion for the reason that the insertion portion is configured to have a small diameter, the positioning portion or the positioning surface in the present invention may be provided in the insertion portion other than the bending portion. .

1, 51, 61, 71, 81 Endoscopic device 10 Insertion section 11 Bending section 12, 12A Bending member 13A Base (positioning section)
14 Angle wire 15A Channel tube (other built-in)
18A, 18B, 18C, 18D Positioning hole 31 Imaging unit (observation means)
36 Signal line 42 Lead wire (other built-in)
43 Heat dissipation wire (other built-in)
52A Base 53, 73 Positioning hole 53A, 73A 1st area 53B, 73B 2nd area 53C, 85 Communication part 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 74A, 74B, 74C, 74D, 84A, 84B,
84C, 84D Protrusions 55, 75, 86 Positioning surface 63 Separator (positioning member)
72 Curved member 83 Guide groove

Claims (6)

A flexible and long insertion portion; observation means provided at a distal end of the insertion portion; and a bending portion provided at the insertion portion and capable of bending operation. An endoscope apparatus in which a plurality of built-in objects are inserted into a bending portion,
The bending portion has a base provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of bending members arranged in an axial direction between the bases,
A plurality of protrusions provided by increasing the thickness of the wall surface in at least one lumen of the base,
A positioning surface having a positioning hole for restricting movement of the built-in object in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion portion in the insertion portion is formed by the protrusion,
The plurality of built-in objects include a signal line connected to the observation means and other built-in objects,
The positioning hole has a first region through which the signal line is inserted and a second region through which the other built-in object is inserted,
The endoscope apparatus, wherein the signal line and the other built-in object are disposed so as not to move between the first region and the second region. A flexible and long insertion portion; observation means provided at a distal end of the insertion portion; and a bending portion provided at the insertion portion and capable of bending operation. An endoscope apparatus in which a plurality of built-in objects are inserted into a bending portion,
The bending portion has a base provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of bending members arranged in an axial direction between the bases,
At least one of the plurality of bending members includes a plurality of protrusions provided by increasing the thickness of the wall surface from the inner cavity of the base,
A positioning surface having a positioning hole for restricting movement of the built-in object in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion portion in the insertion portion is formed by the protrusion,
The plurality of built-in objects include a signal line connected to the observation means and other built-in objects,
The positioning hole has a first region through which the signal line is inserted and a second region through which the other built-in object is inserted,
The endoscope apparatus, wherein the signal line and the other built-in object are disposed so as not to move between the first region and the second region. A flexible and long insertion portion; observation means provided at a distal end of the insertion portion; and a bending portion provided at the insertion portion and capable of bending operation. An endoscope apparatus in which a plurality of built-in objects are inserted into a bending portion,
The curved portion is
A base provided at both longitudinal ends;
A plurality of bending members arranged in an axial direction between the bases;
An annular positioning member disposed between the base and the plurality of bending members or between two of the plurality of bending members;
The positioning member comprises a plurality of protrusions provided by increasing the thickness of the wall surface from the inner cavity of the base,
A positioning surface having a positioning hole for restricting movement of the built-in object in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the insertion portion in the insertion portion is formed by the protrusion,
The plurality of built-in objects include a signal line connected to the observation means and other built-in objects,
The positioning hole has a first region through which the signal line is inserted and a second region through which the other built-in object is inserted,
The endoscope apparatus, wherein the signal line and the other built-in object are disposed so as not to move between the first region and the second region.  The first region and the second region are communicated with each other through a communication part, and the radial dimension of the communication part is set smaller than the diameter of the other built-in object. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.  4. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are integrally formed so that the first region and the second region do not communicate with each other. apparatus. A wire for bending the bending portion;
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wire is inserted into a guide groove that opens at a periphery of a member on which the positioning surface is formed.